Loew linked with Bayern post

A report in newspaper Bild has claimed Germany coach Joachim Loew is the frontrunner to succeed Louis van Gaal at Bayern Munich.

The news comes despite the fact Loew is still under contract to the national squad until the end of the 2011/12 season.

The 51-year-old has been manager of Germany for four-and-a-half years since stepping up from his role as Jurgen Klinsmann’s assistant in the wake of the 2006 World Cup, with impressive performances at Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup further bolstering his credentials.

Bayern have struggled to build on the successes of last Bundesliga season, which saw them complete a domestic double and finish as runners-up to Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League.

A 3-1 defeat to Hannover at the weekend finally forced club bosses to announce that they would cancel van Gaal’s contract this summer, even though they are still involved in the Champions League.

Bayern currently sit in fifth place in the Bundesliga and 19 points behind leaders Borussia Dortmund.

Bayer Leverkusen coach Jupp Heynckes has also been linked with the Bayern post.